EVENT 2: Cosmological Elements: Space Ecologies



Last April 28, 2023, I had the pleasure of virtually attending the captivating second chapter of the Cosmological Elements series titled "Space Ecologies." After attending all three sessions, I can confidently say that this one stood out as my absolute favorite. The session transported me into a realm where the natural world converges with technology, sparking intriguing questions about the future of our planet and the boundless possibilities that lie beyond.

Nature and Technology

One of the highlights of the event was the mesmerizing concept of Exobiotanica, introduced by Azuma Makoto. Exobotanica bridges the gap between botany and space exploration and watching the video that captured the plant suspended against the backdrop of the Earth and beyond, left me in awe of the beauty and resilience of life. Many forms of life have been sent 30,000 m high and It did bring up questions to me after. The natural world and its passage goes way back in time and with the new and growing power and influence of technology, I wonder what we would unlock and if it would come with benefits and threats.


Exobotanica


Another remarkable presentation that left an indelible impression on me was Michele Boulogne's "Mining the Sky." Boulogne's artwork explores the societal and political consequences of harvesting resources from celestial objects, opening a conversation on accessibility, which is something we discussed in class during Robotics week. Our resources here on Earth are deeply regulated with laws surrounding such, which is completely different from space since there’s no one who technically owns it. It’s left to the hands of those who have the ability to seize them.


Mining the Sky

This idea of accessibility in the context of space mining led me to ponder how this concept can reshape our perception of resources and ownership. As we explore and expand into the cosmos, we are confronted with the responsibility of equitable distribution. Technology is opening more access to resources and Boulogne's artwork serves as a powerful reminder that with great opportunities come great challenges, and it is our duty to navigate this uncharted territory responsibly. Mistakes in the past have been made as greed led to exploitation and unsustainable practices, and knowing that would hopefully lead mankind to take a better course of actions.


Overlap of Space and Human Systems - very fascinating!


As we move forward, I am left with lingering questions: How will the natural world continue to evolve with advancements in technology? How can we responsibly harness the resources of space while maintaining a delicate balance with our home planet? And what other astonishing discoveries await us as we venture further into the great unknown?




Sources

Text:

Vesna, Victoria. “Industrialization, Robotics, Kinetic and Robotic Art.” DESMA 9.  https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/160989/pages/unit-3-view?module_item_id=5946326. Accessed 19 April 2023


"Exobiotanica Space Flight." Exobiotanica, http://exobiotanica.com. Accessed 19 May 2023. 


Lee, Kai N. "Greed, scale mismatch, and learning." Ecological Applications (1993): 560-564.


“Mining the Sky.” Michele Boulogne, www.micheleboulogne.com/miningthesky. Accessed 19 May 2023.


“Insights - Cosmological Elements.” Cosmological Elements, cosmoselements.art/Insights. Accessed 19 May 2023. 


Images:

"Exobiotanica Space Flight." Exobiotanica, http://exobiotanica.com. Accessed 28 April 2023. 


"How Technology and Nature Can Work Together To Feed A Growing Population." Giving Compass, givingcompass.org/article/how-technology-and-nature-can-to-work-together-to-feed-a-growing-population. Accessed 19 May 2023.


“Mining the Sky.” Michele Boulogne, www.micheleboulogne.com/miningthesky. Accessed 28 April 2023.






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